A Description of a Self-Evaluation Measure of Communication Apprehension.

Parks, Arlie Muller; Swift, Louisa H. W.

A free response self-evaluation instrument to determine the existence of communication apprehension or anxiety has been used at Pennsylvania State University and Mansfield State College in Pennsylvania as part of their programs to identify reticent and communication apprehensive students. The instrument is administered as an assignment on the first day of class and again during the final week of class. In a short essay, students are asked to discuss what they experience when they are involved in various problematic communication situations, focusing on the behaviors they exhibit while attempting to communicate in these situations and how they would change their behavior to improve their communication in these instances. The students also describe those situations in which they feel satisfied with their communication behavior. This extensive self-evaluation provides the instructor with information on students' misconceptions about communication and any unrealistic expectations they may have. Student responses on the second self-evaluation focus on their improvements and on their heightened sense of confidence. If students believe they are more confident and are using effective communication behaviors and techniques, for all "practical" purposes they are no longer communication apprehensive. (HTH)